It's all happened before...

[grimgrinningghosts]

[You wake up in a plush bed, well rested but very confused. As you become more conscious, one thing becomes abundantly clear: this is not your room, nor does this look like any bedroom you’ve ever been in before. It’s relatively clean room, but immediately something feels… off about all of this.

When you start exploring, a thing you’ll soon notice is that on the bedside table, there is a room key sitting ontop of a neatly typed note.]

Dear hotel guests,

We cordially invite you to come to the downstairs library at noon for an important meeting regarding your stay in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Before then, we invite you to make full use of the amenities this hotel has provided for you.

On behalf of the hotel staff, we dearly hope you enjoy your stay in this marvelous hotel.

-HTH Management

[But, as you leave the comfort of your new bedroom, any hope that you somehow booked a hotel room the previous night and just forgot is immediately dashed. It looks like this hotel hasn’t been cleaned in decades, and despite the mention of hotel staff in your note, there doesn’t appear to be anyone working here.

Not to say that you’re alone, however. As you explore the hotel, you’ll soon find that there are 23 others in the exact same situation as you: confused and with no memory of how they got here. And to make matters worse, if the bios you stumble upon in the dining area is anything to go by, this clearly isn't just a freak accident.

Get comfy, because you are all in for a wild ride.]

Comments

[anasty]

A likely story from any man who's bitten off more than he could chew!

[ She gets right in his face, showing her teeth and soaking in his fear. After recent events and her lack of choice at arriving here, her ego could use a boost.

Her tentacles twine near his feet, a silent blockade and threat, but she only tries to touch him with one of her hands.

To be more precise, she attempts to caress one of his cheeks with her sanguine nails. ]

You must know something, surely.

[ She invites him, mockingly suggestive. She makes to tap that bulbous snout of his, sing-song: ]

Tell. Me~!

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

[Oh god he's never been so uncomfortable in his hundred of years alive on this miserable planet]

I-I-I-I-I assure you I know NOTHING, ma'dum! Now step back before you force my hand!

[anasty]

Oh my!

[ Her eyes widen at this threat, her tone absolutely depraved. What a man! ]

Should I be afraid?

[ Nevermind how she's now attempting to coil the tip of that beard of his around her fingers. ]

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

[Merlin yelps again, pulling his beard away from her.]

I'll-I'll have you know I am the world's most powerful wizard!

[anasty]

[ Well now, that genuinely interests her. Ursula cants her head. ]

Oh really? And how, if you'll indulge me [ As if he has a choice. ] did you come to that conclusion? It seems to me you don't even know which world you're in now.

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

And do you...ma'dum? Because you also seem lost!

[It's self proclaimed of course but he's gonna fake it til he makes it.]

[anasty]

[ He's got her there. Her smug expression cracks into a scowl. ]

Perhaps it's time we both admit there's someone here who isn't half bad at summoning spells.

Do we also agree that whoever had the gall is in need of an education?

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

[Phew she's backing off a little.]

Very well. For now.

[anasty]

[ For now, at least physically. She gives him a few inches of personal space, in essence settling back on her haunches. Should Merlin attempt to escape, however, he'll find those tentacles ready to spring up and keep him cornered.

She crosses her arms, tapping her own cheek. ]

But if you are the most powerful wizard in the world, it does rather beg the question: why haven't you left yet?

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

[He's able to take a breath. Barely anyway.]

Something is trapping us here! All the doors and windows are locked, and my magic has no effect! Even my teleportation is no good.

[anasty]

[ She definitely isn't easy on the olfactory senses.

This admittance from him relieves her somewhat. If he is a wizard ( and considering the circumstances, he has plenty of reason to lie ) then they really are in a similar situation. She's not ready to admit someone might be equal, much less better than her yet, however.

Her expression shifts back to something sly. ]

Now you must correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that make you... just a hapless old man at my mercy after all?

[ She smiles with her chin delicately perched on her knuckles, expectant. ]

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

Weeeelll some of my powers are working. But! I doubt it will help our escape!

[Merlin STOP]

[anasty]

Do tell.

[ And here she is, now trying to stroke one of his shins with the end of a tentacle. Are you getting how this game is played yet, Merlin? ]

[higitusfigitusmigitusmum]

[WELP IT'S TIME TO GO!

He yelps loudly once more and as he jumps back, he changes shape into a blue mouse. With his size he's able to weave and bob through the tentacles until he can escape into a hole in the wall.]

[anasty]

[ Ursula's laughter will catch him no matter how quick he scurries, rich and dark as ink.

One more rodent to add to the growing list on a ship that doesn't seem likely to sink into the depths any time soon.

Rats. ]